It’s Not Just About Size: The Novella
Wednesdays, October 23-November 13
Reading Group
$175
$150
What’s a novella? It is a long short story? A short novel? The novella has long been the neglected stepchild of literature. A work comprising about 40 to 150 pages, this genre is more than just the size of its spine; it’s a compelling, single-sitting character portrait and examination; a rich chocolate truffle. In this class, we’ll meet once a week on Zoom to discuss three examples of the form: Brokeback Mountain (Annie Proulx), Rosa (Cynthia Ozick), and Passing (Nella Larsen). These three books, disparate in subject matter and theme, are united in their deep character study of a protagonist who is unable to conform to society’s demands. Join us in appreciating what might be the most exciting genre that no one’s ever read. (Truffles not included).
This is a reading group. Designed for writers and readers alike, our reading groups analyze a single text or multiple texts. Classes meet once a week for live Zoom lectures to discuss the reading with the instructor. Reading group sessions will be recorded.
Links to all reading material will be provided by the instructor, however if you’d like to purchase the books or check them out from your local library to read in book form, here are the editions we’ll be using for Rosa and Brokeback Mountain:
Brokeback Mountain, Annie Proulx. Scribner (2005). ISBN 978-0743271325
The Shawl, Cynthia Ozick. Vintage (1990). ISBN 978-0679729266 (contains Rosa)
For Passing, any edition is fine.
About Allison Amend:
Allison Amend is a graduate of Stanford University and the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. She is the author of the award-winning short story collection Things That Pass for Love and the novels A Nearly Perfect Copy and Stations West, which was a finalist for the 2011 Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature and the Oklahoma Book Award. Her most recent book, Enchanted Islands, was on the longlist for the International Dublin Award. Allison teaches creative writing at Lehman College CUNY in New York City where in 2012 she completed a project in which she visited every single museum in the city (all 115 of them!).
Schedule
All sessions will take place on Zoom. Sessions will be recorded.
Session 1: Wednesday, October 23, 7:30-9:30pm ET
Session 2: Wednesday, October 30, 7:30-9:30pm ET
Session 3: Wednesday, November 6, 7:30-9:30pm ET
Session 4: Wednesday, November 13, 7:30-9:30pm ET
FAQ
When can I register for this class?
Registration will is open now and will close on Tuesday, 10/22.
How does the class work?
This class meets weekly for live Zoom discussions for the duration of the course. Students will share responses to the assignments for feedback from their fellow students and the instructor on Thinkific.
Is there homework?
The class will include reading assignments.
How much time will the class take?
Live lessons run for two hours. Students will read approximately 50 pages per week.
How many students are in the class?
This class is capped at 50 students.
Can I take the class on my phone?
Yes, the class can be taken on a phone, but we recommend a computer or tablet to get the most out of the experience.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships for this class?
Yes, we have a limited number of scholarships for the class. Scholarships cover 50% of tuition. Recipients will be selected at random. You can apply for one here. The deadline to request a scholarship is Monday, October 14. We will notify all entrants that week.
Discounts & Policies
Our online classes are designed to be safe spaces for all who participate. One Story will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, or harassment directed toward instructors or fellow students, and reserves the right to remove participants who engage in such behavior from our classes.
Patron Discount: In order to qualify for our patron discount, you must be a member of our patron circle at the time of registration. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in our non-profit organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers or supporters are patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a patron, you can do so here.
Refund Policy: Students can receive full refunds prior to Wednesday, October 15, and 50% refunds from October 16 through 22. Class payment is non-refundable on or after the class’s start date. For questions about the refund policy, or if you are unable to take the class after you have registered, please contact maribeth@one-story.com.
If you have any questions, please contact edu.support@one-story.com.
